by June Portnoy
The African American Museum of Bucks County (AAMBC) has come a long way since its inception as a mobile museum in 2014. Dedicated to honoring and illuminating the rich history and culture of African Americans in Bucks County and beyond, the museum is scheduled to open its first permanent location in Langhorne during the spring of 2025. This milestone marks the culmination of years of hard work, perseverance, and the vision of its founders.
The late Harvey Spencer and the late Millard Mitchell, two Bucks County residents, had a desire to share the history of African Americans in this area. They got together with the hope of starting a museum in Langhorne. Harvey, Chairman of the Trustee Board of the First Baptist Church of Langhorne, recruited some people from the church to help them attain their goal. Since then the church has been used for monthly meetings with other founding members of the museum. It was also at this church where the idea of a mobile museum was born.
For nearly a decade, AAMBC, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has operated as a mobile museum, bringing stories, artifacts, and exhibits to schools, libraries, senior centers, and community events. These “pop-up” museums and presentations still engage thousands, spotlighting untold stories of African American history that took place in Bucks County. They also feature displays from Africa to Bucks County. Tours of the Underground Railroad have become a highlight of their programming, educating participants about this county’s critical role in the quest for freedom.
Despite the success of this mobile museum, the founders were adamant about finding a building for a permanent African American museum. Harvey, in his final years, identified the Boone Farm, dating back to 1716, on the ground of Core Creek Park in Middletown Township (Rt. 413 and Bridge Pike), as an ideal setting for the museum.
Linda Salley, current president and a founding member of AAMBC, has been instrumental in bringing Harvey’s vision to life. She promised him that she would try to attain the building without expecting much, especially knowing it had been abandoned for 50 years.
Therefore, she was astonished when Bucks County Commissioners Diane Marseglia, Robert Harvie, and Gene DiGirolamo voted in 2020 to allow the property to be leased to AAMBC for only $1 a year for the next 29 years.
Thanks to substantial renovations, the building has been transformed into a functional, accessible, and welcoming space that will soon be ready to house AAMBC’s permanent exhibits.
The new museum’s design will feature a collection of engaging exhibits and educational spaces that will be showcased throughout the museum. AAMBC plans to clear the land around the museum and install benches and a paved patio for people to enjoy after the tour.
Reflecting on the museum’s journey, Linda shared, “Our main objective is to teach the untold stories that our children are not being taught. Our purpose is to illuminate the history of African Americans in Bucks County and beyond so that we can educate our children about their history. When people leave the museum, I hope they will leave with a sense of excitement and urgency to tell others about it.” Linda added that there are so many beautiful museums in Bucks County, but not one is dedicated to telling the story of African Americans in Bucks County. She added, “Thanks to this new museum, Harvey and Millard’s dream has come to fruition. African American history is American history, and for the first time this story is being told for all to see, to learn and to be inspired by.”
Linda noted that Bucks County has already contributed to this shared dream (of a permanent museum). However to fulfill the dream and complete the final phase, $2 million is needed for our roots to grow and take hold.”
She encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations to consider contributing through commemorative naming opportunities or by donating online at www.aamuseumbucks.org/.
The African American Museum of Bucks County promises to be a vital cultural and educational resource, ensuring that the stories of African Americans in Bucks County are preserved and celebrated for generations to come.